Arrest records in De Witt County, Illinois are classified as public documents pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, must be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:
The DeWitt County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory responsibilities. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.
DeWitt County Circuit Clerk's Office
201 West Washington Street
Clinton, Illinois 61727
(217) 935-7750
DeWitt County Circuit Clerk
De Witt County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by source. The Illinois Integrated Justice Information System has facilitated increased digital availability of criminal justice records throughout the state, including De Witt County. Online accessibility options include:
Pursuant to the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), certain arrest information may be restricted from online access depending on case disposition and the nature of the charges. Members of the public seeking comprehensive arrest information are advised that the most complete records remain available through in-person requests at the DeWitt County Courthouse.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing De Witt County arrest records. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act (20 ILCS 2630/3) establishes protocols for record dissemination while the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) governs county-level record maintenance. Authorized methods for obtaining these records include:
Standard processing fees apply to record requests in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA. Current fee schedules are posted at the Circuit Clerk's office and on the county website. Certified copies of records require additional authentication fees as established by the County Board.
De Witt County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include:
The DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains these records in accordance with the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). While most information is publicly accessible, certain sensitive details may be redacted pursuant to privacy protections under Illinois law, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder
201 W. Washington St., Room 109
Clinton, IL 61727
(217) 935-7780
DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder
The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the legal framework for expungement and sealing of arrest records in De Witt County. Expungement physically destroys records or returns them to the petitioner, while sealing maintains records but restricts public access. Eligibility criteria include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of De Witt County. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), petitioners must provide notice to all arresting agencies and the State's Attorney. The court conducts a hearing where the State may object to the petition. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge their records.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the DeWitt County Public Defender's Office or legal aid services. Filing fees apply but may be waived for indigent petitioners under Supreme Court Rule 298.
DeWitt County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Washington Street
Clinton, IL 61727
(217) 935-3525
DeWitt County Public Defender
Illinois law establishes specific limitations on arrest record access to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) and the Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140/) create a framework of restrictions that apply to De Witt County records. Key limitations include:
Law enforcement agencies, including the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office, maintain internal policies governing record dissemination in compliance with these statutory requirements. Violations of these restrictions may result in civil penalties under § 11 of the Illinois FOIA.
The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) and the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (30 ILCS 105/) establish parameters for utilizing arrest records in employment decisions within De Witt County. These regulations aim to balance public safety concerns with fair opportunity principles. Key provisions include:
The DeWitt County land records system provides property ownership information but does not integrate criminal history data. Employers and landlords conducting background checks must obtain separate authorization and follow proper channels for accessing criminal history information.
Professional licensing boards operating under Illinois Department of Professional Regulation guidelines maintain specific protocols for evaluating criminal history as it relates to occupational licensing decisions in accordance with the Criminal Identification Act.